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EU help to Samoa7.01.2003
Some 55,000 more Samoans have clean water with the completion of the biggest European Union (EU) infrastructure project yet in the region.
The Euro 18.72 million (around WST$60 million) Samoa Rural Water Supply Project was officially dedicated this week on the island of Savai'i.
It was marked by official, traditional and religious ceremonies. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and all his Cabinet traveled to Savai'i to attend.
European Commission Pacific delegation head Frans Baan, speaking during the ceremonies, praised the partnership of the EU, Samoan Government and Samoa Water Authority "Water shortages and poor quality water should now be a thing of the past for around 55,000 people living in the rural areas as this new water supply system comes online," Baan said. "This achievement will mean significant progress towards the Government's goal of supplying potable water for all."
Baan said most Samoans dwell in rural villages situated around the narrow coastal plain on the two main islands, Upolu and Savaii.These rural people had struggled with water shortages and poor quality water for many years, he said.
To maintain essential basic supplies, water of dubious quality has been carted in buckets from village pools and rainwater collected in old oil drums. This situation had contributed significantly to the hardship of the people in these areas.
Baan hailed the dedication of the Samoa Rural Water Supply Project as "a very special day indeed for the Government and people of Samoa and also for European Commission." He said it was his third visit this year to Samoa and each visit has marked significant milestones in the cooperation program between the European Union and Samoa.
In March he signed with the Prime Minister Tuilaepa the country program and indicative program for cooperation under the new Cotonou Agreement. This will make available to Samoa resources of Euro 27.1 million (equivalent to around WST$87 million) over the next five years.
In October he returned with Europe's Commissioner for Development, Poul Nielson, and they had opportunity to visit field sites where projects are being implemented. Mr Nielson had been impressed.
Baan said he would like to assure Samoa that this is not the end of cooperation in the water sector. Under the 9th European Development Fund "we envisage further support both for water supply and sanitation and for the development of an integrated water resources strategy".
The Samoa Rural Water Supply Project is part of continuing EU assistance to the Pacific Islands under the EU-ACP (African, Caribbean, Pacific) group aid, trade, and development partnership.
The project, in partnership with the Samoan Government and Samoa Water Authority, covers near one quarter of Samoa1s population, and areas of both Upolu and Savai'i. The works contract was implemented by a Danish contractor, Pihl-Rorbyg, and supervised by the Samoa Water Authority assisted by the British consultant, Montgomery Watson. Work started in June 2000. December 19, 2002
by PINA News
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